Nice bike, Pretty good value for money. it's more on the level of the trek fx 1 as far as components but it does have 24 gears instead of the fx 1's 21 and lower gearing overall due to the smaller front crank
My local shop recommended this bike to me. This review is what made me go ahead and place the order. Hopefully it's ready to collect tomorrow and it's my correct size. I'm 5"7 and ordered a medium
@@bikegallery3185 Got mine 3 weeks ago, I'm 67 and have 121 miles on it so far. Have also hit 38.2 MPH depending on accuracy of computer. you will love it.
@@bikegallery3185 i checked it out but sold out everywhere, I bought a gel seat cover which arrived today. Hopefully it helps. After 300+ miles it still hurts but not as much as before
Great review! I just purchased an FX 3 in Rage Red two days ago and I concur with just about everything you said in your review. You are spot on about the pedals, they are crap. It didn't feel like my feet would stay on them reliably and after my test ride I had the shop put on SUNLITE PEDALS SUNLT MTB LOPRO ALY/ALY 9/16 pedals with toe straps beore I bought the bike. . A vast improvement!
@@borg_uk what you do with the other pedals? Those pedals are $100 you got. Are they flat? I don't like the ones that lock your feet in and are an ACL tear in the making. Do they grip your shoe better?
Yes I'm very happy with this bike, vast improvement over my old Kona Dew in performance and braking. Totally agree with the garbage pedals , first thing I changed over, not sure what Trek were thinking ?
That's a great idea, technically I think you can stuff a 38mm tire in an FX :amzn.to/2OaTkPf, maybe even a 40mm amzn.to/3023lna. the specialized sirrus can take 42mm tires: amzn.to/3fi0vB9 you can easily measure the inside of the frame ( 2 spots) and fork. you would want about 3mm clearance at least.
I have a 2011 Trek FX 7.1. I run 38 tires. I did have to remove the kickstand attachment from the frame. It could easily handle 42's. It's now a very good gravel bike.
Great review! I bought the 2021 FX3 in rage red. It's a beautiful bike. Going for a fit up on Sunday and then it's coming home 😊 I immediately purchased a softer saddle and just paid for the difference. I did notice the pedals are not that great, but I didn't want to add more cost to it, so in a few months I'll replace it. Do you recommend any good accessories to use on the handle that gets closer to the look of a basket? I was told I can't put a regular basket on this one.
Thank you for the detailed review. I purchased that bike in women extra small last August. It arrived in December. Now Spring is here and after just a few rides, I love it! I am looking for a light carrier rack. I tried one that attached to to the seat bar, but my seat is too low to accept this kind of rack. Any suggestions?
congratulations! this one is very good: amzn.to/2RZs5w1 get the non disc, no spring version. though your bike has disc brakes, they are mounted lower then the rack holes and will not interfere with the brake caliper. highly recommended. for extra small frames you may need this seatpost clamp with threaded holes to mount the rack if it doesn't reach the holes in your frame: amzn.to/3sLyuru you'll need the 31.8 clamp size. order both and return the clamp if it's not needed. trust me, I've installed dozens of these clamps, sometimes it's the only way.
The Merida is more of a flat bar road bike (Lighter, road bike components, higher geared drive train, less climbing gears) while the fx3 has mountain bike components and geared lower. If you're looking to do fitness and go fast get the merida. more into commuting and leisure? get the trek. I suggest you ride both if you can
@@rskbug both of these bikes are very good choices, you will not be sorry by buying one over the other. just decide if you are more into city riding or longer fitness riding. quality is almost identical, just slightly different uses.
Giant Fastroad SL 3 is a flat bar road bike, going to be faster and more aggressive riding position. both are good for what you want, want a faster bike get the giant want something more comfortable get the trek.
different type of bikes. the canyon is a flat bar road bike with leaning forward riding position. the trek is a plug and play commuter. trek is more upright, and heavier. canyon has excellent parts several levels above the trek. canyon is a faster, lighter machine.
so you had a 3x8 altus and now a 3x9 alivio? it shouldn't make it slower. did you change the bottom bracket with the crank? if so the bottom bracket might be too tight which causes more friction. take the chain off the chainrings and spin the crank it should at least 2 revolutions freely before it stopped. if you replaced your drivetrain because it was worn out, sometimes worn out bottom bracket actually spin more freely because they are more loose so a new one might make it feel "slower" also check the chainrings and cassette range, you likely had 11-32 in the back and 28/38/48 in the front. if you have a larger cassette, say 36T as the largest cog, you now have fewer "fast" gears. if you have a 44T or 42T as your largest chainring in the front, your top speed is now lower.
Stock tire here are a compromise between performance, commuting and leisure. they are not bad tires. if you put a lot of miles riding in city roads you will wear them out quick and start getting flats. marathons are heavy duty commuter flat resistant tires. they can be ridden for thousands of miles and very rarely get a flat. there is a reason why they are spec'd on rental bikes.
@@bikegallery3185 Good tip. I have been using the Bontrager H2s on my FX 7.5 and I think I only get about 2,500 to maybe 3,000 on the rear tire. I'll give the tire a try next time.
@@charlesdudek7713 glad it was helpful. there are so many good aftermarket tires out there. what do you use your bike for? there are good tires for every type of use.
@@bikegallery3185 My Trek I use for fitness. Every other day I do a 13 mile ride which takes about 50 minutes. I've had my FX for 9 years and like it alot.
@@charlesdudek7713 If you are riding mostly road and want to go fast but still have excellent flat resistant on those long rides I would choose gatorskins in 700x32: amzn.to/2VxMwSG
Just purchased this. The saddle seems ok but a bit hard - would it be better to swap to the selle italia lady gel flow (manganese tube rail)? Which one is better?
the selle italia lady gel flow is not softer than the stock one. if you're looking for something much more comfortable but still sporty I highly recommend this: amzn.to/3g5p45z
*Question for Anyone:* _Given that bikes are hard to come by now from especially Trek, should I wait for 2021 Checkpoints to arrive in stores over the next month or so, or should I get the FX3? I want to ride on streets, sidewalks, flat dirt and gravel paths and trails, and use it for fitness purposes. I have no plans of doing Tour de France or showing off how light my bike is. I know the Checkpoint is designed for 'gravel' whatever that means. I do know the ALR5 I was shown last week was $2100. The FX3 is $800. Thanks!_
@@bikegallery3185 they said November LOL. I'm not buying that. I also didn't get a straight answer on standover height. I did it at the shop and I had like 1 inch of clearance at most. I'd rather have more than less. Even though I'm 6'0", I should be able to ride a 54cm bike LOL. But yeah I don't see how Trek, the biggest company in the US or the world, can't stock bike shops until November. That is ridiculous. Who wants to ride their bike in the snow anyways?
How does the Trek FX3 compare to Specialised Sirrus 2.0? Thinking more around riding position, speed, maintenance costs? I mainly ride on tarmac with some potholes
check out the video I made on the sirrus 2.0: ruclips.net/video/0ciTfQdvu_c/видео.html. basically they have very similar riding position, FX3 is supposed to be a faster bike but the differences is marginal. components though are significantly better on the FX3. both bikes will be good for tarmac and potholes, whatever you get I would change the tires to 35mm if you see a lot of potholes. something like this: amzn.to/2QjZeyz, my favorite tires, almost completely flat proof (has kevlar layer under the rubber) and absorbs the harsh roads very well. if comfort is more important than speed get a 38mm tire: amzn.to/34vV6DG these gravel kings are so nice, they soften the ride but still have a relatively low rolling resistance, also suitable for light off roading.
good question. when they are new they shift the same. 9 speed tends to shift more smoothly since the distance between cogs is smaller. overtime the 9 speed shimano drivetrains (current offering, not the older ones) are not as reliable and are harder to adjust properly and even when adjusted they tend to to need to be adjusted more frequently since the derailers are not as good and have a hard time staying precise to deal with the short gaps between gears. they are also more susceptible to cable stretch, again due to the shorter gaps between gears. unfortunately 9 speed bikes are better equipped then 7 speed bikes and are lighter and come with better parts overall. that wouldn't sway me from buying one though.
@@bikegallery3185 I ended up buying nothing at all. I wanted to upgrade a teenager's bike from 2017 Trek FX 1 to 2021 Trek FX 3. The only thing that bothers me in FX 1 is recurring rear axle breakage in FX 1 due to a 7spd freewheel. This is a safety issue. The bike is used for about 100 km per week commuting on flat terrain so hydraulic brakes or 9 cogs cannot justify an addition cost. The bike is in excellent condition and ALL components are checked and maintained on a regular basis. I will patiently wait for a price drop...
@@kottelkannim4919 If you had more than one axle broken you may want to stop at a bike shop and check for rear dropout alignment. if they are not parallel, you'll be breaking more axles. if the dropouts are parallel you can buy a cassette wheel and install a 7 speed cassette. you'll need a 4mm cassette spacer installed at the back of the cassette if it's a 8-10 speed hub, you;; need another o spacer if it's a more modern 8-11s hub. Cassette hubs are much stronger and rarely crack. you can keep your drivetrain (7 speed) this way. i would also recommend you get a double wall rim while you're at it.
very knowledgeable review with great upgrade recommendations and links. too many thumbs down in my opinion. awesome review sir. always wondered if the fx3 is worth the price vs the fx2 and you answered my question. now with that being said, do you think bike is less versatile with regard to terrain compared to a gravel bike say, the trek checkpoint gravel bike? I'm a noobie just looking for a versatile bike currently only ride on paved trails, eventually look to venture longer distance. thanks again.
very different bikes. checkpoint can do everything the fx3 can do and more. especially more capable for longer rides and light off roading (cyclocross). fx3 is a standard fitness bike, not really for longer rides or gravel. mostly for city use, paved trail etc. I appreciate the good words! good luck with your purchase.
@@montellanojavelosa6249 Specialized diverge is an excellent choice. excellent riding position, very versatile bike that can do it all and takes a variety of tire sizes and styles. what do you use it for?
@@bikegallery3185 ha ha great question. since I dont live near any gravel trails (nyc/nj area) I've been using it on the road mainly with the stock 35c specialized road sport tires. just recently purchased 28c continental road tires and you can feel the difference. I also invested in a 40c knobby gravel tire when I first bought the bike panracer and did ride on a gravel trail and it flies with those tires. I love that bike
Okay, so I'm looking for a bike for commuting. Where I live there roads stink and there are a ton of potholes! Sometimes they exist on the sides of roads where I would be riding and wouldn't be able to avoid them. However, I also like going fast! I've been doing a lot of research and finally came up with two bikes that fit the bill in my price range: 2020 Trek DS 3 2020 Trek FX 3 I would like your opinion on what you think would be a good purchase for me based on the given information. Thank you in advance.
If you haven't already purchased I'd go for the DS with it's better suspension set up. I wouldn't consider taking my FX on anything but the smoothest of surfaces. Cheers
@@tharr67 I agree, this bike was not really intended for offroading but as someone who had to clean and wash many many bikes this stuff makes miracles and does not mar the shine : amzn.to/3b3brRB and if you really want to make it shine use this: amzn.to/3hxpRMq there's other good products out there but this is what I have been using for years: good luck and keep on riding!
700x40 is the widest though 700x38 will give you a bit more clearance if you ride on dirt roads. here's a good 700x40 for damaged roads and dirt: amzn.to/3vZQIYv here's my favorite 700x40: amzn.to/3imXow4 chose this if you want a smooth tire for mostly good pavement. And here is my favorite 700x38 for good pavememnt (select black 700x38) amzn.to/3poADJC or get this for dirt roads:amzn.to/3zb5cHk let me know if you have other questions.
@@bikegallery3185 Thanks! Can I put Schwalbe Marathon Plus Reflex Tyre 700x35c www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-tyres/schwalbe-marathon-plus-reflex-tyre-700x35c-130032.html
@@shwetthakoor8666 yes you can put fenders on it as well, standard size is 45mm, it will fit upto 35mm tires perfectly. like this amzn.to/3v43aFq or this: amzn.to/3crXoqV I'v installed both they are very good.
yes, these rims will handle upto 40mm but the frame will only accept 38mm these are my favorite tires in 700x38: schwalbe marathon amzn.to/327wa36 these are bullet proof, a bit heavy and ride is a bit numb. Continental contact plus, (select 700x37, they run big) amzn.to/3g74inS excellent value, lighter than the marathons, almost as flat resistant and has a nicer riding feel, a bit more supple. lastly the panaracer gravelkings, make sure you get this version with protite kevlar layer, amzn.to/3a5gEsS they are extremely flat resistant and lightweight, not as robust as the other two but the ride is much more responsive and has significantly less rolling resistance. big tires will make the trek fx3 ride feel much more supple.
@@bikegallery3185 Awesome thanks for the info. I don't have the bike yet as it's on order for me for Jan. 2022. Who would have thought that ordering a bicycle would take longer than getting an exotic car.
I was looking this FX3 and then I seen the FX4 sport carbon but as a beginner I feel at £1600 its a bit overbudget for me. Should I just go for the FX3? Thanks
FX 3 is a great choice. try it out put some miles on it and then decide if you're all set, or want a lighter quicker bike which is virtually the same or maybe you would want a real road bike instead.
yes you'll be totally fine with the fx3, if you ride there a lot i would replace the tires with specific gravel tires, something flexible and with tread, these are perfect: amzn.to/3fIT85G you can do 32mm or 35 if you want some more comfort.
@@bikegallery3185 I ended up getting the ALR4 LOL. I still am confused why wheels and tires cost like $300+, at least the cool looking ones with wide side walls.
on the frame there is built in slot to receive one of these adapters, it eliminates the use of an aftermarket sensor: www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-computers-gps/bike-computer-sensors-accessories/bontrager-duotrap-s-digital-sensor/p/12319/?colorCode=black
you could do that but it will end up costing more than double the MSRP. bike is great, for most people its all the bike they'll ever need but the parts i mentioned are definitely worth getting if going on long rides or on specific types of terrain.
It's categorized as a fitness bike so it comes from factory with a tough seat suitable for road bikes. most owners use it as a commuter or leisure bike. they did not want a road bike. easiest thing to replace is the seat and it makes a huge difference I like this one: amzn.to/2MZnW90 still sporty but much softer
check the video I made on the FX 2: ruclips.net/video/vcYG8ovbxAE/видео.html basically the fx3 is more for fitness and speed, more refined parts overall. fx2 can do all of that too but is designed more for casual riding or commuting.
There is one huge reason why I will purchase this bike before any other brand, It has external cabling HOORAY ! Why on earth would any one want a bike with internal cable routing?
I do take it seriously, since this is a mid range commuter, and not some high end racer. The reviewer shares valuable input based on his experience. His input agrees with my experience, which includes riding and taking apart almost every part in a 4 year old Trek FX 1.
As far as components they are very similar. the bianchi has a more relaxed geometry. it also has lower gearings for some reason, maybe because it is designed to be a more relaxed fitness hybrid.
What other bikes would you like me to review? Tell me down here!
Vilano Diverse 3.0
Nice bike, Pretty good value for money. it's more on the level of the trek fx 1 as far as components but it does have 24 gears instead of the fx 1's 21 and lower gearing overall due to the smaller front crank
BIke Gallery FX6 review!
I'll do my best
@@bikegallery3185 my 2020 Fx3 disc has 18 speeds ...2 x 9.... Not 24 speeds...
Playback speed 1.25x 😉
1.5x
2x here
lol :)
My local shop recommended this bike to me. This review is what made me go ahead and place the order. Hopefully it's ready to collect tomorrow and it's my correct size. I'm 5"7 and ordered a medium
That is so great to hear! you made a wise choice it's a terrific bike
@@bikegallery3185 Got mine 3 weeks ago, I'm 67 and have 121 miles on it so far. Have also hit 38.2 MPH depending on accuracy of computer. you will love it.
@@jerryhorn3621 I picked mine up 5 days ago now. I've only done 45 miles but am loving it. The seat is horrendous though, it's like sitting on a brick
@@teddybruckshut3533 I agree. check out the saddle i recommended in the description
@@bikegallery3185 i checked it out but sold out everywhere, I bought a gel seat cover which arrived today. Hopefully it helps. After 300+ miles it still hurts but not as much as before
Great review! I just purchased an FX 3 in Rage Red two days ago and I concur with just about everything you said in your review. You are spot on about the pedals, they are crap. It didn't feel like my feet would stay on them reliably and after my test ride I had the shop put on SUNLITE PEDALS SUNLT MTB LOPRO ALY/ALY 9/16 pedals with toe straps beore I bought the bike. . A vast improvement!
By crap, how bad can they be? I don't know the issue with pedals. I don't wear bike shoes. I wear dress shoes or gym shoes. Thanks!
They are just low quality but these ones have a bad design as well
@@bikegallery3185 I ended up getting the ALR4 2021. Tired of waiting for other bikes. Biked over 40 miles this week already. Best purchase of 2020!
I put a pair of Shimano PD-M8140 Deore XT Flat Pedals on mine. It feels and looks amazing.
@@borg_uk what you do with the other pedals? Those pedals are $100 you got. Are they flat? I don't like the ones that lock your feet in and are an ACL tear in the making. Do they grip your shoe better?
Thanks so much for a great review! I'm adding a lot of the add-ons you suggest. Thanks a lot!
you are welcome! these upgrades really make this bike significantly better than stock. enjoy it.
Really great review, thanks a lot!
Glad you enjoyed it!
BIke Gallery Why u suggested selecting large for Eragon grip? I Would like to get 1 for female
@@Dxb20003 LArge is the length. the small id for grip shift
Yes I'm very happy with this bike, vast improvement over my old Kona Dew in performance and braking. Totally agree with the garbage pedals , first thing I changed over, not sure what Trek were thinking ?
yup, definitely not in line with the rest of the bike
@@bikegallery3185 what pedals would you recommend ? i prefer to ride in regular athletic sneakers , so no clip pedals.
@@JitinMisra I like these: amzn.to/3hfEd2S had mine for 2 years now
Great in depth review. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Tbh I think of the FX 1-3 as utility bikes, perhaps Trek could allow them to have wider tire clearances if someone wants a more rugged hybrid
That's a great idea, technically I think you can stuff a 38mm tire in an FX :amzn.to/2OaTkPf, maybe even a 40mm amzn.to/3023lna. the specialized sirrus can take 42mm tires: amzn.to/3fi0vB9 you can easily measure the inside of the frame ( 2 spots) and fork. you would want about 3mm clearance at least.
I have a 2011 Trek FX 7.1. I run 38 tires. I did have to remove the kickstand attachment from the frame. It could easily handle 42's. It's now a very good gravel bike.
Great review! I bought the 2021 FX3 in rage red. It's a beautiful bike. Going for a fit up on Sunday and then it's coming home 😊
I immediately purchased a softer saddle and just paid for the difference. I did notice the pedals are not that great, but I didn't want to add more cost to it, so in a few months I'll replace it. Do you recommend any good accessories to use on the handle that gets closer to the look of a basket? I was told I can't put a regular basket on this one.
Glad to hear you like your new bike. you should have no problem installing this basket: amzn.to/2JnOnTL or this: amzn.to/3mfz3r6 good luck!
@@bikegallery3185 Thank you! I'll look into it 😊
Good review. Thank you :)
You're welcome!
Can you fit 42mm tires on this bike?
Thank you for the detailed review. I purchased that bike in women extra small last August. It arrived in December. Now Spring is here and after just a few rides, I love it! I am looking for a light carrier rack. I tried one that attached to to the seat bar, but my seat is too low to accept this kind of rack. Any suggestions?
that's great now you should go on rides with your Husband!
congratulations! this one is very good: amzn.to/2RZs5w1 get the non disc, no spring version. though your bike has disc brakes, they are mounted lower then the rack holes and will not interfere with the brake caliper. highly recommended. for extra small frames you may need this seatpost clamp with threaded holes to mount the rack if it doesn't reach the holes in your frame: amzn.to/3sLyuru you'll need the 31.8 clamp size. order both and return the clamp if it's not needed. trust me, I've installed dozens of these clamps, sometimes it's the only way.
Great power point. Very informative. I just bought one. Patiently waiting for its arrival.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it, let me know if you need recommendations for gear and I'll guide you in the right way
@@bikegallery3185 I got this fx3 in first ride I spilled left pedal from crank arm what to do now, glfrom india
From *
@@dayanandbiradar631 look at the threads of the pedal. if they are stripped you need a new crank arm.
@@bikegallery3185 threads gone how to replace it my dealer not helping me I want buy it out where to buy
Which is better - Trek FX 3 Disc or the Merida Speeder 200?
The Merida is more of a flat bar road bike (Lighter, road bike components, higher geared drive train, less climbing gears) while the fx3 has mountain bike components and geared lower. If you're looking to do fitness and go fast get the merida. more into commuting and leisure? get the trek. I suggest you ride both if you can
@@bikegallery3185 Your views is very valuable. I'm from India. Here it's practically impossible to test the bikes before one buys them.
@@rskbug both of these bikes are very good choices, you will not be sorry by buying one over the other. just decide if you are more into city riding or longer fitness riding. quality is almost identical, just slightly different uses.
How does the FX 3 compare to the Giant Fastroad SL 3 for paved rail trail and commuting?
Giant Fastroad SL 3 is a flat bar road bike, going to be faster and more aggressive riding position. both are good for what you want, want a faster bike get the giant want something more comfortable get the trek.
canyon roadlite 6 or trek fx 3 equipped? I live in a hilly area, so prefer a lighter bike. also a carrier would be good.
different type of bikes.
the canyon is a flat bar road bike with leaning forward riding position. the trek is a plug and play commuter. trek is more upright, and heavier. canyon has excellent parts several levels above the trek. canyon is a faster, lighter machine.
on the canyon you can install the rack I put in the description.
@@bikegallery3185 oh really?? I was not sure if roadlite 6 has compatible racks. can I also get a pannier bag to go with this rack?
@@VinayWarrieryes off course.
I had my dual sport 2 drivetrain upgraded to 3x9 alivio, do you think it was waste of money cuz i feel like its slower now than before...
so you had a 3x8 altus and now a 3x9 alivio? it shouldn't make it slower. did you change the bottom bracket with the crank? if so the bottom bracket might be too tight which causes more friction. take the chain off the chainrings and spin the crank it should at least 2 revolutions freely before it stopped. if you replaced your drivetrain because it was worn out, sometimes worn out bottom bracket actually spin more freely because they are more loose so a new one might make it feel "slower" also check the chainrings and cassette range, you likely had 11-32 in the back and 28/38/48 in the front. if you have a larger cassette, say 36T as the largest cog, you now have fewer "fast" gears. if you have a 44T or 42T as your largest chainring in the front, your top speed is now lower.
Thanks for the review! 👍🏼 May I knw why u wld recommend the Schwalbe Marathon HS Wire Bead Tires over the stock tires?
Stock tire here are a compromise between performance, commuting and leisure. they are not bad tires. if you put a lot of miles riding in city roads you will wear them out quick and start getting flats. marathons are heavy duty commuter flat resistant tires. they can be ridden for thousands of miles and very rarely get a flat. there is a reason why they are spec'd on rental bikes.
@@bikegallery3185 Good tip. I have been using the Bontrager H2s on my FX 7.5 and I think I only get about 2,500 to maybe 3,000 on the rear tire. I'll give the tire a try next time.
@@charlesdudek7713 glad it was helpful. there are so many good aftermarket tires out there. what do you use your bike for? there are good tires for every type of use.
@@bikegallery3185 My Trek I use for fitness. Every other day I do a 13 mile ride which takes about 50 minutes. I've had my FX for 9 years and like it alot.
@@charlesdudek7713 If you are riding mostly road and want to go fast but still have excellent flat resistant on those long rides I would choose gatorskins in 700x32: amzn.to/2VxMwSG
Just purchased this. The saddle seems ok but a bit hard - would it be better to swap to the selle italia lady gel flow (manganese tube rail)?
Which one is better?
the selle italia lady gel flow is not softer than the stock one. if you're looking for something much more comfortable but still sporty I highly recommend this: amzn.to/3g5p45z
my travel will be 70 % road and 30 % light off road. what would u recommend trek FX3 or trek DS3?
DS3. fx3 is not a good off road machine, a few minutes on some gravel is ok but really not enjoyable and can end up damaging your wheels.
Great review can it be used to ride down canal paths as well as on the road?
Given that it’s got nice wide tires with some tread, and the comfortable riding position, I’d say it’s perfect for canal paths!
@@Rocky4719 how about the C&O canal?
*Question for Anyone:*
_Given that bikes are hard to come by now from especially Trek, should I wait for 2021 Checkpoints to arrive in stores over the next month or so, or should I get the FX3? I want to ride on streets, sidewalks, flat dirt and gravel paths and trails, and use it for fitness purposes. I have no plans of doing Tour de France or showing off how light my bike is. I know the Checkpoint is designed for 'gravel' whatever that means. I do know the ALR5 I was shown last week was $2100. The FX3 is $800. Thanks!_
The checkpoint is a very nice bike, it will do everything you want it to do and will be more versatile and capable than the fx3
@@bikegallery3185 thanks! I guess I will wait. I'm talking to Trek customer service now haha.
@@TraumaER Sounds good, please let me know what you find out
@@bikegallery3185 they said November LOL. I'm not buying that. I also didn't get a straight answer on standover height. I did it at the shop and I had like 1 inch of clearance at most. I'd rather have more than less. Even though I'm 6'0", I should be able to ride a 54cm bike LOL. But yeah I don't see how Trek, the biggest company in the US or the world, can't stock bike shops until November. That is ridiculous. Who wants to ride their bike in the snow anyways?
How does the Trek FX3 compare to Specialised Sirrus 2.0? Thinking more around riding position, speed, maintenance costs? I mainly ride on tarmac with some potholes
check out the video I made on the sirrus 2.0: ruclips.net/video/0ciTfQdvu_c/видео.html. basically they have very similar riding position, FX3 is supposed to be a faster bike but the differences is marginal. components though are significantly better on the FX3. both bikes will be good for tarmac and potholes, whatever you get I would change the tires to 35mm if you see a lot of potholes. something like this: amzn.to/2QjZeyz, my favorite tires, almost completely flat proof (has kevlar layer under the rubber) and absorbs the harsh roads very well. if comfort is more important than speed get a 38mm tire: amzn.to/34vV6DG these gravel kings are so nice, they soften the ride but still have a relatively low rolling resistance, also suitable for light off roading.
Thank you for the review!
Is the shifting accuracy of a 9 speed cassette inferior to that of 7 speed cassette(freewheel)?
good question. when they are new they shift the same. 9 speed tends to shift more smoothly since the distance between cogs is smaller. overtime the 9 speed shimano drivetrains (current offering, not the older ones) are not as reliable and are harder to adjust properly and even when adjusted they tend to to need to be adjusted more frequently since the derailers are not as good and have a hard time staying precise to deal with the short gaps between gears. they are also more susceptible to cable stretch, again due to the shorter gaps between gears. unfortunately 9 speed bikes are better equipped then 7 speed bikes and are lighter and come with better parts overall. that wouldn't sway me from buying one though.
@@bikegallery3185 Thank you for the exhaustive answer!
@@kottelkannim4919 you're welcome. what did you end up getting?
@@bikegallery3185 I ended up buying nothing at all.
I wanted to upgrade a teenager's bike from 2017 Trek FX 1 to 2021 Trek FX 3.
The only thing that bothers me in FX 1 is recurring rear axle breakage in FX 1 due to a 7spd freewheel. This is a safety issue.
The bike is used for about 100 km per week commuting on flat terrain so hydraulic brakes or 9 cogs cannot justify an addition cost.
The bike is in excellent condition and ALL components are checked and maintained on a regular basis.
I will patiently wait for a price drop...
@@kottelkannim4919 If you had more than one axle broken you may want to stop at a bike shop and check for rear dropout alignment. if they are not parallel, you'll be breaking more axles. if the dropouts are parallel you can buy a cassette wheel and install a 7 speed cassette. you'll need a 4mm cassette spacer installed at the back of the cassette if it's a 8-10 speed hub, you;; need another o spacer if it's a more modern 8-11s hub. Cassette hubs are much stronger and rarely crack. you can keep your drivetrain (7 speed) this way. i would also recommend you get a double wall rim while you're at it.
very knowledgeable review with great upgrade recommendations and links. too many thumbs down in my opinion. awesome review sir. always wondered if the fx3 is worth the price vs the fx2 and you answered my question. now with that being said, do you think bike is less versatile with regard to terrain compared to a gravel bike say, the trek checkpoint gravel bike? I'm a noobie just looking for a versatile bike currently only ride on paved trails, eventually look to venture longer distance. thanks again.
very different bikes. checkpoint can do everything the fx3 can do and more. especially more capable for longer rides and light off roading (cyclocross). fx3 is a standard fitness bike, not really for longer rides or gravel. mostly for city use, paved trail etc. I appreciate the good words! good luck with your purchase.
@@bikegallery3185 thanks again. I ended up with a specialized diverge gravel bike and absolutely loving it 😊
@@montellanojavelosa6249 Specialized diverge is an excellent choice. excellent riding position, very versatile bike that can do it all and takes a variety of tire sizes and styles. what do you use it for?
@@bikegallery3185 ha ha great question. since I dont live near any gravel trails (nyc/nj area) I've been using it on the road mainly with the stock 35c specialized road sport tires. just recently purchased 28c continental road tires and you can feel the difference. I also invested in a 40c knobby gravel tire when I first bought the bike panracer and did ride on a gravel trail and it flies with those tires. I love that bike
so what distinguishes FX3 from FX2 is mainly the carbon fork and Shimano brake, right?
carbon fork, better drivetrain components, better grips, better brakes
@Heart Throb Yes, but there are levels of flat resistance for bike tires. the tires that come on the fx3 are very basic.
Okay, so I'm looking for a bike for commuting.
Where I live there roads stink and there are a ton of potholes! Sometimes they exist on the sides of roads where I would be riding and wouldn't be able to avoid them.
However, I also like going fast! I've been doing a lot of research and finally came up with two bikes that fit the bill in my price range:
2020 Trek DS 3
2020 Trek FX 3
I would like your opinion on what you think would be a good purchase for me based on the given information.
Thank you in advance.
ds is slower but will handle the potholes better. fx is faster and the ride is harsher. compromises will be made...
If you haven't already purchased I'd go for the DS with it's better suspension set up. I wouldn't consider taking my FX on anything but the smoothest of surfaces. Cheers
@@tharr67 I agree the surface should be mostly flat but this bike can handle packed dirt or light gravel no problem.
BIke Gallery I’m probably a bit “retentive “ don’t want any dirt spoiling my lovely Rage Red paintwork 😜
@@tharr67
I agree, this bike was not really intended for offroading but as someone who had to clean and wash many many bikes this stuff makes miracles and does not mar the shine : amzn.to/3b3brRB and if you really want to make it shine use this: amzn.to/3hxpRMq there's other good products out there but this is what I have been using for years: good luck and keep on riding!
What is max tyre size we can have on this bike?
700x40 is the widest though 700x38 will give you a bit more clearance if you ride on dirt roads. here's a good 700x40 for damaged roads and dirt: amzn.to/3vZQIYv here's my favorite 700x40: amzn.to/3imXow4 chose this if you want a smooth tire for mostly good pavement. And here is my favorite 700x38 for good pavememnt (select black 700x38) amzn.to/3poADJC or get this for dirt roads:amzn.to/3zb5cHk let me know if you have other questions.
@@bikegallery3185 Thanks! Can I put Schwalbe Marathon Plus Reflex Tyre 700x35c www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-tyres/schwalbe-marathon-plus-reflex-tyre-700x35c-130032.html
@@shwetthakoor8666 yes, absolutely.
@@shwetthakoor8666 yes you can put fenders on it as well, standard size is 45mm, it will fit upto 35mm tires perfectly. like this amzn.to/3v43aFq or this: amzn.to/3crXoqV I'v installed both they are very good.
Will these rims handle a wider tire?
yes, these rims will handle upto 40mm but the frame will only accept 38mm these are my favorite tires in 700x38: schwalbe marathon amzn.to/327wa36 these are bullet proof, a bit heavy and ride is a bit numb. Continental contact plus, (select 700x37, they run big) amzn.to/3g74inS excellent value, lighter than the marathons, almost as flat resistant and has a nicer riding feel, a bit more supple. lastly the panaracer gravelkings, make sure you get this version with protite kevlar layer, amzn.to/3a5gEsS they are extremely flat resistant and lightweight, not as robust as the other two but the ride is much more responsive and has significantly less rolling resistance. big tires will make the trek fx3 ride feel much more supple.
@@bikegallery3185 Awesome thanks for the info. I don't have the bike yet as it's on order for me for Jan. 2022. Who would have thought that ordering a bicycle would take longer than getting an exotic car.
@@jimdent351 well, it's the times we are living in, one day we'll look back and have great stories to tell.
How does this bike compare to the Verve 2/3 disc?
verve is a comfort hybrid, more upright , relaxed riding position
I was looking this FX3 and then I seen the FX4 sport carbon but as a beginner I feel at £1600 its a bit overbudget for me.
Should I just go for the FX3?
Thanks
FX 3 is a great choice. try it out put some miles on it and then decide if you're all set, or want a lighter quicker bike which is virtually the same or maybe you would want a real road bike instead.
@@bikegallery3185 Can the FX3 be used on the C&O Canal trail?
yes you'll be totally fine with the fx3, if you ride there a lot i would replace the tires with specific gravel tires, something flexible and with tread, these are perfect: amzn.to/3fIT85G
you can do 32mm or 35 if you want some more comfort.
@@bikegallery3185 I ended up getting the ALR4 LOL. I still am confused why wheels and tires cost like $300+, at least the cool looking ones with wide side walls.
I picked up the Sport 4 last Tuesday :)
What is the weight of this bike?
Weight for size Medium - 11.74 kg / 25.88 lbs
What's that Bluetooth for?
on the frame there is built in slot to receive one of these adapters, it eliminates the use of an aftermarket sensor: www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-computers-gps/bike-computer-sensors-accessories/bontrager-duotrap-s-digital-sensor/p/12319/?colorCode=black
How good is Bergamont Sweep 3i?
Bergamot sweep 3i Looks Like a really nice bike, do you have one?
BIke Gallery I’m planning to buy. I thought I ll get your expert opinion :)
I think you'll be very happy with it.
Seems like you should just build your bike and add all the extre stuff
you could do that but it will end up costing more than double the MSRP. bike is great, for most people its all the bike they'll ever need but the parts i mentioned are definitely worth getting if going on long rides or on specific types of terrain.
Trek makes a great bike....however... about half the owners have to change the seat
It's categorized as a fitness bike so it comes from factory with a tough seat suitable for road bikes. most owners use it as a commuter or leisure bike. they did not want a road bike. easiest thing to replace is the seat and it makes a huge difference I like this one: amzn.to/2MZnW90 still sporty but much softer
What is the difference between fx2 and fx3?
check the video I made on the FX 2: ruclips.net/video/vcYG8ovbxAE/видео.html basically the fx3 is more for fitness and speed, more refined parts overall. fx2 can do all of that too but is designed more for casual riding or commuting.
i love mine, changed the seat and put lights on it.
Glad you liked very nice bike! which saddle and lights did you get?
48k who would belive that :)
watched at 1.5x speed.. anyone did the same?
How does this compare with the specialized Siri’s 3.0? Also, what is the climbing capability of the trek fx 3 disc?
similar bikes overall, main difference in my opinion is geometry, sirrus has a more aggressive riding position.
Can you do a review on the Trek FX 4
I'll do my best. have you purchased a bike already? what did you get?
Wheres the bike
There is one huge reason why I will purchase this bike before any other brand, It has external cabling HOORAY ! Why on earth would any one want a bike with internal cable routing?
I agree, internal cable routing is for cosmetics only. they are unreliable and seriously make adjusting the gears unnecessarily harder
did you review the bike or pictures of the bike? Are we supposed to take this seriously?
I do take it seriously, since this is a mid range commuter, and not some high end racer.
The reviewer shares valuable input based on his experience.
His input agrees with my experience, which includes riding and taking apart almost every part in a 4 year old Trek FX 1.
Too drawn out.
Very slow speaking.
1.5 speed solves that
How is Bianchi C sport 2 compared to fx3? Which one is better?
As far as components they are very similar. the bianchi has a more relaxed geometry. it also has lower gearings for some reason, maybe because it is designed to be a more relaxed fitness hybrid.